Pakistan has made significant strides in closing the gender gap in mobile internet access, with 8 million more women gaining connectivity during 2024–25, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced Saturday, in a message marking World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2025.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the gender gap in mobile internet access narrowed from 38% to 25%, representing the most substantial improvement globally. The prime minister attributed this progress to enhanced digital inclusion efforts, particularly targeting women in rural and underserved areas.
“This achievement reflects Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to creating a digital environment that empowers women and ensures equal participation,” said Sharif.
He emphasized that targeted government policies, along with skills development programs and gender-sensitive digital infrastructure, have played a critical role in reducing disparities and promoting access to information and technology for women and girls.
Sharif also highlighted the broader digital transformation underway in the country. Pakistan has now surpassed 200 million telecom subscriptions, with 150 million broadband users and over 2 million fiber-to-the-home connections. Additionally, mobile phone manufacturing grew by 47.46%, while international connectivity has been bolstered through expanded high-capacity submarine cable systems.
Pakistan’s mobile ecosystem now contributes an estimated $16.7 billion to the national economy, underscoring the sector’s growing importance.
The prime minister called on stakeholders across public and private sectors to continue championing gender equality in digital access and to contribute to building a more inclusive and digitally empowered Pakistan.